11 June 2006

Focus on the Family

So, Robert Scoble is leaving Microsoft. I wouldn't be a good tech / web 2.0 / whatever blogger if I didn't comment on it. But I'll keep my comments brief, as there are about 20 trillion blog entries on it already.

First, congrats Robert. Even if you loved being at Microsoft, PodTech will be an interesting new opportunity that will let you expand. Even though your MSFT job allowed you unprecedented access to rampant innovation, PodTech will let you focus a bit and help something new grow. There's nothing like it.

Second, Arrington and others say that this is a huge blow to Microsoft. In the short term, I'd say it is. In the long term, Scoble has done his job - he has made it an assumption that there will be a direct link for all into Microsoft. Robert's exit from MSFT will include the preparation of his replacement.

Robert notes that there are 3,000 other microsoft bloggers. True, but they aren't "the" microsoft blogger. When we think Microsoft, we don't think anyone but Scoble. He is as much a mascot as he is an information source. We could make Scoble bobbleheads because he even looks distinctive.

So, enjoy silicon valley, Robert. Who is the next family whipping boy?